Delicious alternatives to mimosas have become quite the hot topic in brunch circles lately. If you’ve ever felt a twinge of boredom with the classic OJ and champagne duo, you’re not alone. I've been there, sipping my umpteenth mimosa and thinking, "There’s got to be more to life." Well, my friends, welcome to 2024, where the creativity in brunch beverages knows no bounds! So, buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into a world where brunch drinks are just as exciting as the food.
When we're talking about brunch, we simply can't ignore the kings and queens of the game – cocktail enthusiasts and food lovers like ourselves, who know that a meal is more than just sustenance; it’s an experience. Now, don't get me wrong. Traditional mimosas have their time and place, but sometimes, a gal's gotta switch things up. I promise you, once you try these alternatives, you’ll be the toast (pun intended) of every brunch gathering.
Personally, I first stumbled upon delightful substitutes during a spontaneous brunch outing. Picture this: My friend dragged me to this ultra-hip cafe with a menu boasting more exciting brunch cocktails than one could count. I kid you not, it was like discovering Narnia, but with booze. From there on, I was hooked. It’s not just about throwing random ingredients together; it’s about crafting a drink that complements the scrumptious brunch dishes you’re devouring.
Now, if you're curious about how to incorporate these innovative drink recipes into your routine, allow me to guide you. First up, think about the essence of a great brunch drink. It's refreshing, flavorful, and ideally, a bit of a wake-up call. But hey, we're not all master mixologists. That's why our first stop should be Fruit-Infused Sparkling Waters. These are absolutely perfect if you're looking for something light yet zesty. They pack a punch without the headache, quite literally, the next morning.
Moving along in our brunch adventure, don’t overlook Tea-Based Cocktails. Yes, you read that right – tea isn’t just for grandmas and flu seasons anymore. Imagine sipping on a chilled glass of spiked Earl Grey while nibbling on a scone. Tres chic, no? Trust me, you'll feel like you're at the Ritz.
And let’s not forget Breakfast Smoothie Cocktails. Juicing has had its day in the sun, but smoothies combined with a splash of vodka? Now that's the future! Perfect for those who want both health and a bit of fun in their glass.
In the end, stepping away from the traditional mimosa doesn’t mean sacrificing your brunch-time joy. It’s about embracing new flavors, textures, and experiences. So, throw caution to the wind, and let’s toast to delicious alternatives and unforgettable brunches.
If you are riding the current wave of popularity that Prosecco is enjoying (I am!), you’ll love this. Macerating the fruit really releases the flavour as it’s the best way to get the juice. Frsh blackberries are so good that if you want a drink that contains less alcohol, you can leave out the vermouth altogether.
Recipe: marthastewart.com
There are various cocktails that use champagne and grapefruit juice, but another spirit is added – I know of tequila, cognac, or Campari being added to the mix. They sound fab but a bit too over the edge for a pre-lunch drink. Plus, I tried just added fresh grapefruit juice to my prosecco and that is delicious enough for me. The zing is a real waker-upper. If you can get hold of ruby red grapefruit juice, you even get a lovely colour. (You can use champagne or prosecco. You might even try it with cava).
If you do want your mimosa alternative to contain extra liquor, try this one. It’s also lovely if you are a fan of zesty, lemon-y drinks. The recipe calls for powdered sugar but it is much more fun if you use a sugar cube instead. You can watch the bubbles really gather as the sugar dissolves.
Recipe: epicurious.com
This is one I haven’t tried. It is more complex than the other alternatives to mimosas but it sounds so delicious it must surely be worth the effort. It’s a combination of sparkling wine, grapefruit juice, hibiscus syrup and elderflower liqueur. It sounds like a fabulous celebration drink but why should it be left to the likes of Valentine’s Day or an anniversary? You will need to go out of your way to get the ingredients required, but hey, once you have them, why let them languish in the liquor stash for months between outings?
Recipe: thekitchn.com
This is another where you can easily substitute prosecco or cava for the champagne. You can make your own rhubarb syrup by straining off the juice from cooking the fruit in water and sugar. I cheated! I bought a can of rhubarb in syrup and drained off the juice (and ate the rhubarb). To make the drink, put 1 tablespoon of the syrup (or more if you want) and add the fizzy wine. You can also make this drink with any other fruit syrup you care to try.
Which are you going to try first?